Lexus UX hybrid a premium crossover contender
Lexus has struggled to capture the hearts and minds of South African consumers in quite the same way as its parent company Toyota. The idea of a premium Japanese automaker appears to be a difficult pill for local buyers to swallow, look at the ill-fated Infiniti brand locally as another example of how tough this market is for the premium players.
At AutoAdvisor we struggle to see why Lexus’ sales are low, its products are beautifully built, incredibly comfortable, and well-specified. If there is a Lexus that may succeed locally though, it is perhaps the brand’s smallest SUV, the UX, which we had on test recently.
An important model
The UX is an important model for Lexus, at the price point at which it competes it is poised to attract a younger market, and with the millennial push towards cleaner mobility and a more environmentally conscious mindset, the hybrid test car may be just the thing.
The looks
An important aspect of any car within the premium crossover segment is styling. As with many Lexus products, the UX is distinguished by its rather large spindle grille and sharp, angular aesthetics that should sit well with more youthful consumers.
Premium interior
Much like its exterior, the interior of the UX is befitting of a car within the premium space. The problem comes in with the touchpad that controls the infotainment system which isn’t intuitive as many others in this segment. This foible aside, the UX offers reasonable space for four; however, the boot is less than impressive with a capacity of 272-litres.
The press car was the new EX derivative which was recently introduced to offer a more attainable hybrid model within the range. Specification highlights include eight airbags, cruise control, LED headlights, keyless entry, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to name a few. There is also an SE derivative with the hybrid drivetrain which is around R66 000 more expensive and comes with ventilated leather seats, adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist as well as a surround-view camera.
Driving hybrid
Being a hybrid, fuel consumption is massively important, with Lexus claiming a consumption figure of 4.5 L/100km, however, our stint with the car resulted in around 5.2 L/100km, which is still admirable for a 2.0-litre hybrid with a CVT. In terms of power, the detuned 2.0-litre in combination with the electric motor produces 135 kW and 180 N.m + e, according to the Japanese brand.
In an urban environment, the seamless petrol and electric motor integration make for almost silent operation, however, if the need to overtake someone or accelerate quickly arises, expect the usual CVT-induced drone to reverberate through the usually whisper-quiet cabin.
Verdict
The UX is the very definition of a modern soft-roader, with a mildly raised ride height versus a regular hatchback and similar driving dynamics. It epitomizes the sort of vehicle that the world is shifting towards as we slowly transition to electric power. The problem with the UX is that it is expensive and lacks the practicality and polish of rivals such as the Volvo XC40 and Audi’s Q3.
Pricing
Lexus UX 250h SE R 756 200
Also worth a look: the 2026 Lexus RZ Launched in South Africa | Price & Specs and the Lexus RZ Becomes a Moving Canvas in Collaboration with Artis.
FAQ
Q: What does the Lexus UX hybrid cost in South Africa?
The Lexus UX 250h EX starts from around R649,900 in South Africa, making it one of the more accessible entry points into the luxury hybrid crossover segment.
Q: Is the Lexus UX hybrid worth buying?
The UX hybrid is worth considering if you want Japanese reliability, excellent fuel economy, and premium build quality, but the small boot space and fiddly infotainment system might put off practical buyers.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Lexus UX hybrid?
The UX 250h delivers exceptional fuel economy of around 4.5 litres per 100km in combined driving, thanks to its 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor producing a combined 135kW.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Lexus UX in South Africa?
The UX competes directly against the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40, though none of these offer hybrid powertrains at similar pricing levels.
Q: Does the Lexus UX hybrid have enough boot space?
The UX hybrid's 272-litre boot is disappointingly small for a crossover, making it less practical than competitors like the BMW X1 which offers 505 litres of cargo space.
Should You Buy It?
Maybe. The Lexus UX 250h EX at R649,900 is a compelling proposition if you prioritise fuel efficiency, build quality, and that famous Toyota reliability over outright practicality. It's easily the best hybrid crossover under R700,000 in South Africa, but the tiny boot and awkward infotainment system mean it's not the most sensible choice for families. If you're a young professional who values eco-credentials and premium touches over weekend camping gear capacity, the UX hybrid makes perfect sense. Just don't expect it to haul much more than your weekly Woolies shop.
